​​Fort Collins Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Fort Collins drug crime accusations are serious. Whether you’re being investigated or charged, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. The drug crime defense attorneys at Martin & Reed, LLC, are here to help you. Whether you’re just being investigated or you’ve been charged, contact Martin & Reed, LLC, by calling (970) 573-5187 or by completing our contact form to schedule your free consultation with a drug crime defense lawyer. Our Fort Collins law office is here to help you get the best possible outcome to your investigation or case.

Drug Possession and Distribution Charges in Fort Collins

One of the most common charges in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas is drug possession and distribution. It is illegal under the State’s drug possession laws to be in possession of drugs. The State refers to drugs as “controlled substances” that are classified by “schedule.” Drug possession is, in a nutshell, having physical control over a drug. Drug possession can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Distribution is generally charged as “drug possession with the intent to distribute”, but it can also be charged as distribution. It is illegal to dispense, distribute, or intend to distribute controlled substances in Fort Collins. This may be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the amount of the controlled substance that was in possession.

How Does Larimer County Classify Drugs?

The severity of the drug crime that you are charged with depends on several factors. One of those factors is the type of drug and where it falls on the Larimar County drug schedule. Here’s what the schedule classifications mean:

• Schedule 1 includes drugs that:
  • Have a high potential for abuse
  • Are considered to have no accepted medical use for treatment
  • Lack of safety for use, even under medical supervision
    • An example of a schedule 1 drug is heroin
• Schedule 2 includes drugs that:
  • Have a high potential for abuse that may create severe psychological or physical dependence
  • Have an accepted medical use under severe restrictions
    • An example of a Schedule 2 drug is morphine
• Schedule 3 includes drugs that:
  • Have a high potential for abuse, but less than those on Schedules 1 and 2
  • Have an accepted medical use
  • May lead to a low or moderate physical dependence
    • An example of a Schedule 3 drug is ketamine

  Drug Charges: State and Federal

  Drug charges in Ft. Collins can carry serious penalties and don’t always remain a State crime. There are times when drug charges in Colorado become a federal offense. What makes a drug crime a federal crime? The short answer is it depends. This is because certain drug crimes can be charged at the federal level…but only if you are charged with a certain amount and only if you were manufacturing it. There are times that the federal government may not get involved. Generally, that is if the drugs you allegedly had or manufactured were within the personal use limit.

  Common federal drug crimes that the government may become involved with if it is alleged you met certain quantities include:

  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug conspiracy
  • Possession

  Should You Talk to the Prosecutor about Your Fort Collins Drug Charges?

  Maybe it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Maybe it’s your first drug charge. We understand that you want it all to just go away. We’re taught early on that law enforcement is our friend…and we should tell the truth because that’s what’s best.

  However, the problem with talking to the prosecutor (or law enforcement, including an investigator) on your own is:

  • You could give them information they didn’t have that hurts your case
  • They could ask you confusing questions (on purpose) to get you to say something that hurts your case
  • They could try to get you to sign something, such as a plea agreement, that hurts you

  Before agreeing to talk to the prosecutor or even law enforcement, make sure that you’re represented by a Fort Collins criminal defense attorney. Have your attorney go with you. This is the best way to make sure that your rights and your case are protected.

  Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Defense Attorney

  If you’re prosecuted for certain drug crimes and convicted, you could face mandatory prison time. This can derail your entire future. Regardless of whether you’re being investigated or if you’ve been charged, you need to start your defense as soon as possible. Your future is at stake. To get the best possible outcome, call a Fort Collins drug crime defense lawyer from our law firm right away with the facts surrounding your case.

  Don’t face the State alone. Schedule your free consultation with a Fort Collins drug crime defense attorney at Martin & Reed, LLC, now. Our law firm is here to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.